This thesis discusses point-of-care ultrasound in the acute medical setting. It aims to clarify the current role of ultrasound in patients with shortness of breath or hypotension; the novel role of ultrasound in COVID-19 pneumonia; the education in ultrasound to physicians as an extent to the physical exam and treatment of an acutely ill patient. Ultrasound in the acute setting results in a higher chance of finding the correct diagnosis and reduces the list of alternative diagnoses. In COVID-19 ultrasound can screen for possible pneumonia and quantify the severity of pneumonie in case of proven COVID-19 infection. Novice users of ultrasound can master the basics quickly but they need additional training before being a true master in its use.
Bram Kok (1986) obtained his medical degree cum laude at the University of Groningen. He became an internist with specialty acute medicine in Rijnstate hospital and Radboud university medical center. He has a special interest in point-of-care ultrasound. He has worked as an internist acute medicine in the department of internal medicine at the Radboud university medical center since September 2020.